Archaeology and the Arts - A new project at The Bowes Museum, County Durham

County Durham has a rich and diverse archaeological heritage. The Bowes Museum houses objects up to 6,000 years old which have been found in digs in County Durham ranging from prehistoric cup and ring marked stones, a Bronze Age hoard, too graffiti from Binchester Roman fort.

Archaeology and the Arts is a new project for 2010 which aims to improve public access to the collection by providing opportunities for the public to engage with the objects in new and exciting ways. This will include
• volunteering opportunities to assist will a collections audit
• the chance to handle real and replica artefacts
• arts and crafts projects
• an exhibition of archaeological material
• and much more...

We will be working with
• schools
• universities
• local community groups
• young people
• and other museums

If you would like to know more about the project or get involved as a Volunteer please contact

Handle artefacts from the archaeology collection, see what wonders you can discover in our tabletop excavation, take part in arts and crafts activities inspired by the objects and see a demonstration from an archaeological expert! Some activities are ticketed due to space limitations; simply pick up a ticket at museum reception on the day of the event. All activities are free with normal admission.

Stone - Sunday 21st March 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm
Prehistoric stone tools handling, take part in the hunter-gatherer trail around the museum and stone and shell beaded jewellery making
Flint knapping demonstration with Karl Lee (ticket required)

Metal - Saturday 10th April 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm
Get up close to metal objects from the collection including Anglo-Saxon jewellery and go on a metal detectors trail around the museum
See Object Conservators from the museum conserving a metal object